1st April 2013: A signed copy of The Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band has been bought at auction in the US for $290,500 (£191,000).

The selling price far exceeded the $30,000 (£19,700) originally estimated for the rare LP record.

It was bought by an unnamed buyer from the Midwest, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The sale also broke the previous record for a similar item, the entertainment magazine reported.

The UK Parlophone copy of the album includes a high gloss cover and vinyl gatefold sleeve. According to the
Hollywood Reporter it was believed to have been autographed by all four Beatles near its release in June 1967.

The Dallas-based Heritage Auctions, which ran the sale, described it as "one of the most spectacular jewels in our auction".

Speaking before the sale, Beatles expert Perry Cox said: "With my being thoroughly immersed in Beatles collectibles for over 30 years, it takes something extraordinarily special to excite me, but I consider this to be one of the top two items of Beatles memorabilia I've ever seen - the other being a signed copy of Meet The Beatles."

The album features an official souvenir programme of the fourth annual Beatles Convention of Cavern Mecca, dated August 26, 1984.

The previous record for a signed Beatles album cover was $150,000, (£98,600) which was paid for a copy of the 1964 record,
Meet the Beatles in 2011.

Source: BBC

You can expect the prices for the items listed below if you are selling privately. If you sell to a dealer or shop expect less than half of the prices listed below.

All prices are on the basis that the item is in mint condition.

All items UK releases unless stated.

List also includes CDs, & 12"s.

Prices are in UK sterling and US dollars.

It's one of the great myths that anything with the name 'The Beatles' stamped on it is instantly worth a great deal of money. Of course they are the most collectable band ever but it is certain things that are worth money; the Beatles connection alone will not make something worth money or not. To those just starting their collections then it is worth investing in the book The Official Price Guide to the Beatles Records and Memorabilia. Though published in the mid-1990s it does give you a feel for what is collectable. Also track certain items on auction sites like ebay to give you an instant valuation on what people are paying for certain items. Remember though to look at the final price and not what a dealer prices something at as that might just be wishful thinking.

The price guide below gives you an estimate of the price an item has achieved. It should be used as a staring point; doing your own leg work on specific items is unavoidable.

The guide wil help you tell the difference between re - releases as that usually has an impact on prices.

The price guide is growing all the time so if you would like to add to it please e-mail me here. I would also like to add solo stuff so if you would like to share your valuation on any items just include artist, type of record/cd/memorabilia etc and, if possible, year and country of release. I will then add it here.

Happy collecting.

t h e b e a t l e s s i n g l e s

1962

f i r s t p r e s s i n g

(With "The Parlophone Co. Ltd" in upper-lower case & "Recording first published 1962" label text, without "Sold in UK...", all issues before 1967 have push-out centres)

Parlophone 45-R 4949
- Love Me Do / P.S. I Love You (red label, 'Ringo on drums & no tambourine version; with or without "Made in Great Britain" credit)...£ 75.00 / $ 110.00

1969Lyntone LYN 1970/1-IL
- The Beatles' Seventh Christmas Record (p/s, some with 2 x foolscap fan club newsletters)...£ 66.00 - £ 55.00 / $ 105.00 - $ 90.00(fan club flexidiscs are worth around £10 less without newsletters and a third of the listed values without picture sleeves)

1965Parlophone R 5389
- We Can Work It Out / Day Tripper (red "A" on both sides)...£ 450.00 / $ 700.00(Pick up 'We Can Work It Out' Parlophone R 5389 Vintage Vinyl for less @ amazon.co.uk. Direct link here - Grab a Bargain).